Blinken Vows ‘Firm Action’ Against Myanmar’s Military

After February 1st coup, US hit Myanmar military leaders with sanctions and is threatening more

On Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US will continue taking “firm action” against Myanmar’s military. After the February 1st coup in Myanmar, also known as Burma, the US hit military leaders with sanctions. With violence being reported at protests, the Biden administration is threatening more action.

“The United States will continue to take firm action against those who perpetrate violence against the people of Burma as they demand the restoration of their democratically elected government,” Blinken wrote on Twitter. “We stand with the people of Burma.”

The sanctions the US implemented on Myanmar targeted 10 current and former military officials as well as jade, gem, and jewelry businesses that allegedly have ties to the military. When announcing the measures on February 11th, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the US was prepared to impose more.

“We are also prepared to take additional action should Burma’s military not change course,” Yellen said. “If there is more violence against peaceful protestors, the Burmese military will find that today’s sanctions are just the first.”

Since the Biden administration is making countering China a top foreign policy priority, intervention in neighboring Myanmar will likely continue. President Biden has demanded that Myanmar’s military “relinquish the power it seized.”

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.